Article author: Northern NSW Local Health District. Image: (back left to right) Dr Seeta Durvasula (Adult Disability Physician/Clinical Director), Emma Barr (Manager), Rebecca Stack (CNC), Melissa Tizzone (Social Worker) — (front left to right) Dr Yvette Vella (Paediatrician), Leah Ballin (Psychologist), Jeanine Spratt (Administrator).
It is estimated that approximately 1.3% of the population of NSW have an intellectual disability (ID), with an estimated 7500 people with ID living in the Mid-North Coast and Northern NSW local health districts (LHDs). People with ID often experience multiple and chronic physical and mental health conditions and lower life expectancy.
Northern Sydney Intellectual Disability Health Service (NSIDHS) is a consultative health service that provides outreach services to the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW LHDs, in collaboration with each districts local Specialist Intellectual Disability Clinicians. The service is part of a state-wide NSW Health initiative that aims to reduce the health disparities experienced by people with ID.
NSIDHS is comprised of: An Adult Disability Physician, Paediatrician, Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC), Social Worker, Psychologist, Manager and Administrator.
This consultative service works in collaboration with the treating doctor to provide comprehensive health assessments, case discussions and clinical advice (via telehealth, and face to face) for children and adults with an ID diagnosis and complex and chronic health issues. The service can also offer education to health staff and GP practice teams.
NSIDHS will be running face-to-face paediatric and adult clinics and education sessions in Northern NSW and Mid North Coast in July 2021.
Northern NSW: 5th — 9th July
Mid North Coast: 19th — 24th July
Referrals for the July face to face clinics or telehealth services can be made by contacting your local Specialist ID Clinician in MNCLHD and NNSWLHD:
MNC Local Health District
Helen Maclean
e: [email protected]
Ph: 02 66911922 or 0481529093
Northern NSW Local Health District
Michelle Gray
e: [email protected]
Ph: 02 66230586 or 0447627391
Visit HealthPathways for more information:
Intellectual Disability Specialised Health Assessment.
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